The Ed Block Courage Award Foundation will celebrate the 33nd annual Ed Block Courage Awards March 8 at Martin's West. One player from every NFL team will be honored for his commitment to the principles of courage and sportsmanship while serving as an inspiration in the locker rooms and community. In anticipation of the big night, PressBox is profiling each award winner. Click here for more profiles (http://www.pressboxonline.com/story.cfm?id=7300).

DE Nick Eason has been named the Pittsburgh Steelers' 2010 Ed Block Courage Award recipient.

Eason isn't one to moan or complain. You don't see him get down, but rather make attempts to lift the spirits of others. So when the burly DE stated in a matter-of-fact manner that, "If I was going to die, I didn't want to die alone," you knew it was serious.

Eason's horrible offseason started with some pain in his right side. Eason took part in the team's offseason program and participated through the pain. When Eason went home to celebrate his 30th birthday he sensed something was really wrong. The pain continued and he also lost his appetite. When Eason returned to Pittsburgh the pain got significantly worse and he was hospitalized. That's when he learned that his appendix had burst. Doctors were forced to remove the appendix and part of his small intestine. Eason lost 30 pounds and suffered numerous complications from the surgery.

"At one point I didn't think I was going to make it out of the hospital," Eason said. "I was so weak I couldn't walk on my own. I was pretty scared. I didn't think I was going to make it."

Eason turned the corner for the long journey back to the professional football player he had been during training camp. With injuries on the defensive line this season he has been invaluable, stepping in to start. Through it all he has remained positive and developed an even greater appreciation for life.

"I'm just happy to be alive," he said. "When guys complain about things I tell them that it beats being in a hospital bed. I don't have any complaints at all. This has allowed me to appreciate life more. I don't take anything for granted."

Posted Feb. 14, 2011

http://www.pressboxonline.com/story.cfm?id=7344

tony hipchest

02-22-2011, 11:10 PM

a very worthy recipient. lost in all the other turmoil and injuries of this season was what he went through and how hard he fought to make the team.

him and ryan clark have gone through alot as professional athelets that shouldnt be overlooked.

austinfrench76

02-23-2011, 12:18 PM

That's awesome! I don't know him persoanlly but have always heard great things about him. That he's a great teammate and generally just a great guy. Nice back up for us on the cheap. I will hate to see him go.